Train lovers rejoice: New Jersey is home to a number of fascinating train and railroad museums that allow you and your little conductors to step back in time. From historic train terminals to world-renowned model trains, these railroad attractions are sure to delight all ages and transport you back to the glory days of rail travel.
Located on the site of the former Lackawanna Railroad Boonton Yard, the Railroad Museum of New Jersey offers an extensive collection of vintage locomotives and railroad artifacts. It also offers a wide variety of educational and family-friendly activities, such as guided tours and special exhibits. The museum is home to a variety of other historic railway buildings, including a locomotive maintenance shed, a car barn, a crossing shanty, and a railroad newsstand.
The 20,000-square-foot train museum includes a wide array of exhibits and displays, as well as a working steam engine. It also features a large collection of train memorabilia, as well as several restored railroad cars and artifacts. The museum is open throughout the year and is free to visit.
For a more interactive experience, consider hopping aboard the Black River & Western Railroad in Hunterdon County. The historic narrow-gauge steam preservation railroad features antique passenger coaches that leave from Flemington and Ringoes, and the 75-minute ride will thrill your little conductors. The railroad also hosts seasonal rides, such as the North Pole Express (select dates from November 23 – December 28), the Eerie Limited, Dino Days, and the Great Pumpkin Train and Corn Maze.
Dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of New Jersey railroading, this museum in Whippany offers a comprehensive look at the state’s railroad past. Its collection of more than 300 pieces spans over 100 years of railroading in the state, and it is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about New Jersey’s railway history.
There are certain places that are hard to describe with words, and the Northlandz Train Museum is one of those places. This massive, world-renowned miniature wonderland features up to 100 trains at a time traveling over 8 miles of tracks. There are also 35-foot canyons, 400+ bridges, and thousands of scale structures, from mountains to skyscrapers. You can even push buttons that make sirens blare, roller coasters roll, and the skyway moves.
While most people may think that trains are only important for mass transportation, they also played a vital role in many of America’s early towns and cities. The Whippany Railway Museum helps you explore the history of these towns and cities by telling stories of their railroads, and it is a must-visit when visiting New Jersey.
If you are looking for a place to take your little ones to ride a train, many parks and zoos in New Jersey feature miniature versions of the iconic locomotive. These train rides can be a fun way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, or they can provide a unique and memorable family outing.
